Uganda’s wealthiest man, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, has once again secured the top position on the Forbes Africa Billionaires List for 2025, strengthening his legacy as the country’s richest individual.
With an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion, Sudhir continues to dominate Uganda’s economic sphere through his vast empire under the Ruparelia Group, covering real estate, banking, insurance, education, floriculture, and hospitality.
Despite the highly publicized closure of Crane Bank in 2017, Sudhir’s resilience has kept his ventures strong, anchored by landmark properties such as Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kabira Country Club, Speke Apartments, Bukoto Heights, Pearl Business Park, and Tagore Living.
Uganda’s Top 10 Richest in 2025
The Forbes Africa Billionaires List for 2025 showcases Uganda’s wealthiest business figures—a mix of long-standing moguls and emerging tycoons who continue to reshape the nation’s economic landscape.
1. Sudhir Ruparelia – $1.6 Billion
Chairman of the Ruparelia Group, Sudhir’s interests span real estate, hospitality, insurance, floriculture, and education, with flagship schools like Kampala Parents School and Delhi Public School International. His diverse holdings make him the cornerstone of Uganda’s billionaire class.
2. Drake Lubega – $850 Million
Renowned for his sweeping real estate portfolio, Lubega controls shopping arcades, commercial buildings, and residential estates across Kampala. He has steadily expanded into manufacturing and hospitality, making him one of the most visible property moguls in the country.
3. Mansoor Matovu ‘Yanga’ – $785 Million
A real estate giant and logistics investor, Yanga has built his fortune from transport, import-export, and premium properties. His ventures ensure his continued influence in Uganda’s business landscape.
4. John Bosco Muwonge – $720 Million
A low-profile but highly influential investor, Muwonge owns shopping malls, arcades, and luxury apartments within central Kampala, making him a powerful force in real estate development.
5. Godfrey Kirumira – $700 Million
Chairman of the Kwagalana Group, Kirumira has diverse holdings in petroleum (through GM Tumpeco), hospitality, and manufacturing. His reputation as a dealmaker and consortium leader cements his position among Uganda’s wealthiest.
6. Guster Lule Ntake – $697 Million
With investments spanning modern agriculture, commercial real estate, and hospitality, Ntake has steadily climbed the billionaire ranks. His disciplined and methodical investment style has earned him widespread respect.
7. Tom Kitandwe – $602.7 Million
Kitandwe has built a name through large-scale agribusiness, telecommunications, and extensive landholding. His ventures in modern farming have positioned him as a leader in Uganda’s agricultural transformation.
8. Dr. Hamis Kiggundu (Ham) – $601.9 Million
The youngest on the list, Ham is known for bold projects such as Ham Towers, Ham Shopping Mall, and the redevelopment of Nakivubo Stadium. His drive in real estate and publishing, combined with his role as a youth mentor, makes him a standout figure.
9. Christine Nabukeera & Charles Mbire – $600 Million Each
Nabukeera’s fortune stems from luxury hospitality and property ventures, while Mbire—Chairman of MTN Uganda—maintains diverse investments in telecom, energy, pharmaceuticals, and finance, marking him as one of Uganda’s most connected businessmen.
10. Amos Nzeyi – $250 Million
Founder of Crown Beverages Limited, Nzeyi has accumulated wealth from soft drinks bottling, agriculture, real estate, and hospitality. His steady hand has made him a symbol of business stability.
Beyond Wealth: The Sudhir Chapter
While the Forbes list provides a snapshot of Uganda’s top billionaires, Sudhir Ruparelia’s story stands apart. His empire is not just a collection of assets but an institution that influences nearly every aspect of Uganda’s economy.
His Speke Resort Munyonyo, for instance, is more than a hotel—it is Uganda’s premier conference and tourism hub, frequently hosting international summits and high-profile events. Similarly, Kabira Country Club has become a household name in hospitality, setting benchmarks for luxury in Kampala.
Philanthropy and Nation-Building
Through the Ruparelia Foundation, Sudhir has dedicated significant resources to education, healthcare, and community development. Thousands of children attend schools under his network, while hospitals and charitable programs receive continued support. His approach reflects a belief that wealth should uplift society, not just accumulate privately.
The illegal closing of Crane Bank in 2017 could have crippled many entrepreneurs, but Sudhir used it as a turning point. He redirected focus toward real estate, tourism, and education, transforming challenges into opportunities. This resilience has become part of his brand—a businessman who doesn’t just survive crises but thrives after them.
Sudhir’s recognition on the Forbes list is not simply about wealth. It represents Uganda’s growing presence in the regional economy. His businesses employ thousands, attract foreign investors, and symbolize Uganda’s capacity to produce billionaires who compete on the continental stage.
His journey—from arriving in Uganda in the 1980s with just $25,000, to building a $1.6 billion empire—has inspired a generation of young entrepreneurs who see in him proof that resilience and vision can create global-scale success.
Legacy in 2025 and Beyond
As Uganda’s economy expands, Sudhir Ruparelia remains at its heart—not only as the richest man in the country but as a builder of institutions, a philanthropist, and a symbol of endurance. The 2025 Forbes ranking affirms that his influence extends beyond balance sheets, shaping the very story of Uganda’s progress.
